September 7, 2007

I'll never forget seeing Pavarotti at the Hartford Civic Center. Of all the places to see opera, although it was once famously home to "Aida." His voice filled the cavernous space, his hand held his trademark long white hankie, or scarf, whatever it was. I knew I was seeing someone unique.

My wife is more of an opera fan than I am; more of an expert, too. Her father played opera in the house on a good stereo when she was young. My family didn't own a stereo. I was more likely to hear Rosemary Clooney on the radio.

The first live opera I ever went to was "The Barber of Seville," the one with Connecticut Opera where Gov. Lowell Weicker played a cop and got a pie in the face. I was surprised how much I liked it.

When I want to draw a memorial cartoon, the first thing I try to avoid is putting the person in the heavenly clouds. I'll do it if I have a good idea, but it's such a cliche. I also try to be optimistic and positive, to find the silver lining. If the person was a bad guy, I want to reflect that, too.

When I thought about Pavarotti's death, I thought about the stilled voice. Too depressing. Then I thought about singing in heaven. Cliche. Then I thought about another production I saw at Connecticut Opera, "Pagliacci." It was paired with an opera called "The Cloak." It has an Italian name but I never remember it. "Pagliacci" is my favorite, although I think Elmer Fudd singing "Kill Da Wabbit" is right up there.

So, when I thought of the sad clown, I said to myself, "Bobby, baby. That's it. There's your cartoon." I'm glad I got to see –– even in a hockey rink –– a man perform who was one of a kind in this big world.

Thank you, Pavarotti. Bravo.

4 Comments

I was at that same production of Aida, took my mother there for her birthday. I was awe struck and consider those hours the reason I love opera today. Thank you for recognizing the great talent and the sad passing.

I fell no mirth today after hearing that a great voice has passed away. Yes, Luciano Pavarotti has died and in those of us who enjoyed his works a bit of us died too! Like many, I have the spirit of a singer (but not the voice)and that is why I admired his vocal power. The world is a little bit poorer today. Perhaps somewhere, sometime a new voice will rise which will charm and caress our inner artist spirit as this man's voice has done. If there are smiles today it is because he has been among us and given us memories of his works and talent.

Bob - thank you for the beautiful tribute. The BBC reported that Pavarotti was reflective and peaceful at the end of his illness. He said that such a full and wonderful life had been given to him that he had to 'pay his due'. Once, I attended a dress rehearsal of Tosca at the Met and when he started to sing the opening aria I melted. Afterwards, I ran to the Met cafeteria hoping to see him (what was I thinking..that he would be waiting in line?) All I saw were an army of opera chorus kids with their backpacks and tuna sandwiches. Too bad.